QREoN STATE
3D. Yi
rz3
:,00.
CUP4T
LLEc7o
ANNUAL HEPOIT
OREGoN 1
LLEcrloh
OP THE
Oregon )Igrkffllural Co11ege
AND
Experiment Station
FORPDE[%ARD
JUNE 30, 1899.
:E.
RRR*
Lr.
I)
?
1
:
40'
ANNUAL REPORT
OF TIlE
OREGON ARICULJllRil1
OLLE{ ilNO {XPERIM{NT STilTION, 1899.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS.
To f/is Excellency, T. T. Geer, Governor of Oregon:
I have the honor of submitting to you tins the thirtieth annual
report of the Oregon Agricultural College and the tenth annual.
report of the work of the Experimental Station for the year ending
June 30, 1899.
This has been one of the most prosperous years in the history of
this institution. There has been a larger number of young men
and women in attendance than was ever enrolled during any previous year. This closes the second year's work of Dr. Thomas M.
(4atch as President of the college and Director of the station. 1
am gratified and pleased to he able to state that Dr. Gatch has continued to sustain ably and well the important work of this college
and station. It is evident that he is the right man for this place.
He has the cheerful co-operation and respect of the professors,
teachers, and
employes. With the young men and women who
have been in attendance during the year he is generally regarded as
a father. His work in this school will remain a lasting monument
of honor to him and of inestimable benefit to our people and to the
State of Oregon.
Dr. James \Vithvcomhc as Vice-Director of the station was added
to the station staff by the Board of Regents and upon resignation
of Professor H. T. French, as Agriculturalist of the college, Dr.
\Vithvcombe w'as assigned to this work. He has proved himself as
eminently qualified and competent to fully sustain and advance the
work of the station and college, and is justly entitled to commendation for his faithful and good work.
4
Owing to the destruction by fire in September of the mechanical
hail the entire work of the college was greatly embarassed for want
of room to accommodate properly the large number of students in attendance. At the special session of the Legislative Assembly of the
State of Oregon there was appropriated twenty-five thousand dollars for the purpose of replacing the buildings destroyed. Early in
January there was completed a one story brick power house and
blacksmith shop costing twenty-four hundred seventy-eight dollars
and sixty cents ($2,478.60).
A new two-story stone building was contracted for and was to
have been completed April first. The contractor was unable to complete this building within the time specified. It will soon be completed. Up to June 30, we had expended on this new building $14,105.35 leaving a balance of the special appropriation applicable for
the completion of the mechanical hail $8,416.05. This elegant new
building is well arranged and will accommodate a large number of
students. It will be a credit to the people of this state and to this
school. Its cost with the cost of the power house and blacksmith shop
will not greatly exceed the amount appropriated. The money receiv-
ed from the insurance on the property destroyed by fire will be
ample and adequate to meet the deficit on the cost of these buildings
and also furnish them with improved modern machinery, implements and furniture. This branch of work at the college will be
greatly improved.
With the money received from the State under the provisions of
the act approved February 18, 1889, for the two years ending De-
cember 31, 1898, a commodious armory drill hall with physical
culture rooms arranged for both women and men was constructed
This building was completed in December
and has greatly aided in accommodating the pupils who attend this
at a cost of $10,324.85.
This building was needed and will add to the comfort
and culture of the young people who may attend this institution.
school.
From the money received from the State for the year ending Decem -
ber 31, 1899, under the provisions of the same act, the administration building has been cemented and repain.ted and other needed
improvements thereon are being made and the armory and physical
rooms will be furnished during the present vacation.
The late Legislative Assembly appropriated $19,336.00 for the
purpose of providing a steam heating plant. There has been contracted for and it will be completed so as to be ready for the corn-
rnencernent this falla heating plant for the administration building, chemical laboratory, horticulture building and the mechanical
hail. It will not exceed the amount appropriated therefor. " Oregori's Great School" will be in a condition to maintain fully its
good work and will accommodate at least two hundred and fifty
more pupils than were enrolled last year.
Herewith I submit to you the report of the President of the college
and the reports of the heads of depa rtments of the college work for
the year. Also the reports of the Director and Vice-Director and
heads of experimental staff. In this connection I call your special
attention to the fact that our reports have not been publishedtlie
omission has einharrased the managers of this institution. Our
people shouhi he able to know from year to wear just what is being
done at this public institution. The reports of like institutions of
other States of this [nion are published. WTe are often embarrassed
in not being able to supply in exchange the reports of this state for
the reports of other states. The Agricultural Department at Washington to whom we must aeeount for the money received from the
general government that is annually expended in the maintenance
of the college and station want our published reports. \Ve should
have at least two hundred copies of these reports to enable us to
supply in exchange with like institutions. In the interest of our
people and in justice to those who have performed the work of this
institution, I sincerely hope that these reports may be published.
It would tend to relieve us from the charge often made that we are
accomplishing nothing with the money expended.
I submit the following statement of money on hand July 1, 1895,
of the several funds, amounts received, amounts disbursed arid balances on hand June 30, 1899:
EXPURIMCNT S'I'ATION FUNDS.
July
1,
1898. Balance on hand, local station fund ------------------ $ 1,237.31
June 30, 1899. Ariiount received froni sale of products --------------
594.36
$ 1,831.67
15,00000
Amount received, Hatch act -- . ------------ -Aniount to be accounted for -------------------------- $16831.67
June 30, 1899. By amount expended of Hatch fund ------ $i5,000.00
50.00
By amount expended of local station fund By balance on hand in local fund ----- - - - - i,781.67
$16,831.67
G
COLLEGE, MORRILL FUND, ACT OF 1890,
July i, 1898. Balance on hand ------------------------- $
i6.i8
Received during year --------------------- 24,000.00
June 30, 1899. Amount expended of this fund ------------- $22,484.63
Balance on hand 1,531-55
$24,016.18
$24,016.18
STATE INTEREST FUND, ACT OF 1862.
July 1,
1898.
June 30, 1899.
Balance on hand --------------------------- $ 5,119.77
Received from the State ------------------ 4,000.00
-------$ 9,119.77
Amount expended -------------------------
$ 9,119.77
SPECIAL STATE FUND, ACT OF 1889.
July i, 1898.
Balance on hand -------------------------- $ 4,870.35
June 30, r899. Received for tile two years ending Decem-
ber 31, 1899 --------------------------- 10,000.00
$14,870.35
Amount expended ------------------------ $11,895.20
Balance on hand -------------------------- 2,975-15
$14,870.35
IMPROVEMENT FUND.
------------------------ $
July i, 1898. Balance on hand
Julie 30, 1899. Received from sales of fariii products ------
950.00
813.83
Amount expended ------------------------ $ i,6o6.64
Balance on hand --------------------------157.19
$ 1,763.83
$ 1,763.83
CHEMICAL BREAKAGE FUND.
July i,
1898. Balance on hand --------------------------- $
June30, 1899. Amount received --------------------------
406.12
321.45
Aniount expended ----------------------------- $
444,15
283.42
Balance on hand --------------------------
$
727.57
727.57
INSURANCE FUND.
June30, 1899. Received during tile year ----------------- $17,072.57
Amount expended --------------------------- $15,459.33
Balance on hand -------------------------
$17,072.57
1,613.24
$i7,o72.57
RECAPITULATION.
Balances 011 hand from last year and amounts received by the several funds for
the year ending June 30, 1899 :
Station fund ------------------------------------------$16,831.67
College (Morrill) fund ------------------------------ 24,016.18
State interest fund ---------------------------------- 9,119.77
Special fund, act of 1889 ------------------------------- 14,870.35
Improvement fund --------------------------------Chemical breakage fund ---------------------------Insurance fund -----------------------------------------
1,763.83
727.57
17,072.57
$84,401.94
Disbursements (luring the year :
Station fund
College (Morrilfl fund
State interest fund
Special fund, act of ISS9
Iniproveineut fund
Chemical breakage fund
Insurance fund
5,050 00
22,484.63
9,119.77
11,895.20
I
-
1,
-
-
-
6o6 .64
444.15
15,459.33
Balances on baud :
Local station fund . ------$ 1,781.67
College (Morrilb fund
1,531.55
-------------------- 2,975.15
Special fund, act of iS89
Improvement fund
157.19
------------------Chemical breakage fund
283 42
Insurance fuud
- - - ---------------------- -1,613.24
76,o59.72
June 30, 1899.
.
Total to be accounted for
There is a deficit of
-
S4,4or 94
,22U.78
against the state interest fund.
--
The interest collected since .Januarv 1, 1S)i), in the State l'reasurer's
hands is applicable to meet this account. It will be ample to provide for tins deficit arid leave a balance applicable to meet for sonic
time the expenses of the college chargable to this account.
I herewith submit a copy of the report of the Treasurer of this
Board, showing in (letail and fully accounting for all money coming
into ins hands as Treasurer of the Board.
In submitting this report it seems to me but just that I should
express to you and to the Senators and Representatives of the Legislative Assemldv my appreciation and thanks for tile generous and
liberal aid granted to this industrial school. It has enabled the
hoard of managers of this institution to greatly improve the facilities for carrying Ofl the important work. Tins year will mark a
new period in the usefulness of this the peoples' school.
Respectfully submitted,
J. T. Al'PERSON,
President (of the Board of Regents.
8
TREASURER'S REPORT.
1898-1899.
CORVALLIs,
O1lEcoN, July 19, 1899.
To the Board of Regents of 1/ic Agricultural college of Oregon..
GFN'rnIEN:Herewith I submit my annual report for the year
ending
June
30, 1899.
BALANCES ON JIANI) JULY 1, 1898.
State interest ------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 5,100.91
Improvement------------------------------------------------------------------ 950.00
Chemical breakage ------------------------------------------------------------ 406.12
Miscellaneous -----------------------------------------------------------------86.45
Localstation ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1,237.31
SpecialState ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4,870.35
INCOME FOR TIlE YEAR.
-$12,651 .17
Station------------------------------------------------------------------------$15,000.00
College, Morrill --------------------------------------------------------------- 24,000.00
State interest ---------------------------------------------------------------- 4,000.00
F'arin products ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1,408.19
Cheinicaibreakage ----------------------------------------------------------- 321.45
Insurance, fire --------------------------------------------------------------- 17,072.57
Mechanical hall --------------------------------------------------------------- 16,583,95
Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------Transfer checks.........................................................
Second total ------------------------------------------------------------ -
$88,386.16
$101,037.33
1,550.00
$102,387.33
DISBURSEMENTS BY FUNDS.
Station, hatch .................................................................05,000.00
College, Morrill --------------------------------------------------------------- 22,484.63
Stateinterest ------------------------------------------------------------------ 11,346.55
Improvelnelit ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1,606,64
Chemical breakage
Local station
-----------------------------------------------------------
444.15
50.00
Special, state ------------------------------------------------------------------ 11,895.20
Mechanical hall --------------------------------------------------------------- 16,593.95
Insurance, fire -------------------------------------------------------------- 15,459,33
$94,870.45
1,5.50.00 96,420.4.5
'rransfer checks ---------------------------------------------------------------Balance
Less P. and 1,. on miscellaneous fund ----------------------------------
Netbalance
--------------------------------------------------------------
$6,166.88
51.44
$
6,115.44
BALANCES BY FUNDS.
Station------------------------------------------------------------------------ $
College------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,531.55
Improvement ------------------------------------------------------------------ 157.19
.......................................................... 283.42
Chemical breakage
Local station ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1,781.67
Insurance, fire ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1,613.24
Special, state ------------------------------------------------------------------- 2,975.15
-- $8,342.22
State interest, deficit,..-------------------------------------------------------2,226.78
.
Balance-----------------------------------------------------------------
$
6,115.44
Appended to this report and made a part of the same is a transcript of all other checks drawn on the Treasurer during the year.
J.
K.
WEATHERFORD, Treasurer.
9
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.
To f/ic Honorable Board of Rtgcnfs of f/ic Oregon Agriculfural College:
GENFLEMEN:I beg to submit my report for the collegiate year
1898-1899.
A TTE N
NC E.
Exclusive of the farmers' short course, we have enrolled 338 students, only two more than were enrolled last year; or twenty-one
more than were enrolled two years ago. The farmers' short course
swells our number to 440 students in actual attendance, a much
larger enrollment than that of any preceding year. Attendance by
classes as follows :--
Freshmen---------------------------------------------------- 164
Sophomores-------------------------------------------------------- 79
Juniors. --------------------------------------30
Seniors---------------------------------------------------------- 36
Graduates-------------------------------------------------------------
Special students ------------------------------------------------------
Farmers' short course -------------------------------------- --
15
14
- 338
Grandtotal- ----------------------------------------------------
102
440
1NGL15ll.
Our college should forever remain as it isemphatically, the
farmers' school.
To carry out this poilcy our requirements for admission should not be so high as to exclude graduates from the
country schools. However excellent these schools may be, their
graduates are often quite deficient in English, and through the entire college course this tells to their discredit. Our courses as now
arranged require more English in proportion to other studies than
is recornniended by the Association of Agricultural Colleges. To
remedy this trouble I recommend that a sub-freshman class be organized with the understanding that in addition to other studies, a
constant drill in English be reqmrad throughout the year.
ASSA VINO.
I suggest that assaying be introduced as an elective study. Prof.
.John F. Fulton is well qualified to conduct such a class as he paid
special attention to this line of work last summer in Washington.
I would hope that in a year or two this would lead to the establishment of a chair of Metallurg\' and Mining Engineering. Professor
Fulton coUl(l he prepared to take charge of such a department.
Mining, as one of the great industries of Oregon, demands our at-
tention.
10
EXPANSION.
Our college should be made the great industrial school of the
Pacific coast. The farmers of Oregon would appreciate a school
broadly planned and thoroughly equipped, and would give us a still
more liberal patronage. Our agricultural department would share
in the general prosperity of the school. \Vith respect to the higher
classics and a few other culture studies I would not dispute the
claims of our State University, but industrial studies belong particularly to us.
PHARMACY.
In my last annual report I recommended the establishment of
this department and the Board took action looking thereto. I am
glad to say that the department has been quite successful. Twentysix students are enrolled. The course has been approved by the
State Board of Pharmacy. Although I knew that many land-grant
colleges maintained such a department, yet fearing the Morrill funds
could not be devoted to this purpose, I wrote the Commissioner of
Education, and I beg to make his reply a part of this report:--(Copy.)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF EDUCATION.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 3, 1899.
Dr. Thomas ill. Ga/c/i, President, Oregon Agricultural cbllege, Corvallis, Oregon.
DEAR SIR:Your letter of May 29th asking whether funds received
from the United States under either of the Morrill acts could he
used in maintaining a course in pharmacy is received.
In reply thereto you are respectfully informed that the general
government exercises no supervision whatsoever over the funds derived from the Act of Congress of July 2, 1862, but the disburse-
ment thereof is left entirely in the hands of the several States.
While the Act of August 30, 1890, restricts the expenditure of the
funds authorized thereby to instruction in agriculture, the mechanic
arts, the English language and the various branches of mathematical, physical, natural and economic sciences, pharmacy may be considered a specialized branch of both chemistry and botany, and instruction therein charged to the funds authorized by the said Act of
August 30, 1890, and under the head of natural science.
Very respectfully,
(SIGNED:) W. T. HARRIS, Commissioner.
SALARIES.
Accompanying you will find a schedule of current salaries. Sonic
of these could lustly he increased.
The Regents have encouraged members of the Faculty to review
their studies and take advanced work at other colleges and at the
Department at Washington. In every case the instructor has
brought back to Ins work here more enthusiasm and thoroughness.
I am confident that our work is improving. \Ve are not so willing
as formerly to run in grooves and perpetuate our failings. The
University of W'isconsin, the Agricultural College of Michigan and
many other agricultural schools provide fine facilities for study and
investigation (luring the summer months. The Department of Agriculture at Washington is always open to our professors. The Agricultural College of Iowa, at Ames, has a long vacation in winter
and a regular term during summer. Members of our Faculty
should not only he encouraged but should be required to study else-
where, during the long summer vacation, at intervals of three or
four years.
TABULATED STATEMENT.
With this report is a statement showing the classes, the number
of students in each class, the time given to the class by the instructor and the whole number of hours for the entire year devoted by
each instructor to recitations and lectures.
Respectfully submitted,
THOS. M. (ATCH, President.
July 19, 1899.
12
OREGON AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE,
CORVALLIS, OREGON.
Report of the President of said institution to the Secretary of the Interior and
the Secretary of Agriculture, as required by act of congress of August 30,
1890, in aid of colleges of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.
I. Condition and Progress of the Institution for the year ended June
30, 1899, especially
(1) Changes in course or methods of instruction if of sufficient importance to warrant men
tion, and (2) purpose, structural character, and cost of new buildings or additions to buildings.
(2) An armory has been built costing $10,000. It is devoted primarily to military training.
It is 70 feet by 120 feet, two stories. The basenieut story is of stone and has a commandant's
room, a physical room for young ladies aud one for young men, a bowling alley for both
sexes. The second story is of wood and contains a drill hall, with armory rooms, and a running
gallery. The usual drill room will be fitted for a gymnasium also. A mechanical hall, to be
known as The Morrill Mechanical Hall, l2OxSO, has been conipleted, two stories, stone. It
contains a woodworking room or shop, machine shop, printing office, drawing rooms, both
free and mechanical drawing physical laboratories and botanical room, It cost $21,000. A
power house, including a blacksmith shop, one story, brick, costing $2,000, has been built,
The engine rooms are supplied with boiler, engine, dynamos for furnishing power to the
mechanical hail and printing office and for lighting the various buildings. A steam heating
plant has been contracted for and will be ready for the fall opening. This will cost about
$16,000.
II. Receipts for and During the year ended June 30, 1899.
1. Balance on hand July 1, 1899, over and above all indebtedness (excluding funded
debt, if any) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- $12,651.17
2. State aid: (a) Income from endowment granted by State __________________________
(1') Apptopriation for current expenses __________________________________
(c) Appropriations for building or for other special purposes ----------- 26,583.95
3. Federal aid: (a) Income from land grant, act of July 2, 1862 ------------------------ 4,000.00
(3) Additional endowment act of August 30, 1890 ----------------------- 24,000.00
(c) For experiment stations, act of March 2,1887 ---------------------- 15,000.00
4. Fees and all other sources ---------------------------------------------------------- -- 18,802.21
$101,037.33
III. Expenditures for and During the year ended June 30, 1899.
1. Instruction in the subjects specified in sec. 1, act of August 30, 1890 ---------------- $22,484.63
2. Instruction in all other Subjects, if any, not mentioned in Question 1 ofthjs series)
3. Administrative expenses (President's, Secretary's, Treasurer's, Librarian's sal 11,346.55
ary, clerical service, fuel, light, etc.)... ------------------------------------------4. Experiment 'Station ------------------------------------------------------------------ 15,050.00
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $48,861.18
IV. Property, Year Ended June 30, 1899.
Value of all buildings, $92,001)
of other equipment, $17,500.
Value of above property not used for instruction in the subjects specified in section 1 of act of
August 3C, 1890, buildings, 345,000; of other equipment, $10,300.
Total number of acres, 198.91 ; acres under cultivation, 125; acres used for experinients, 25;
value of farm lands, $14,500; amount of all endowment funds, none.
Number of bound volumes, June 30, 1899, 4,000; pamphlets, unknown.
I
1
I.)
\'.
Faculty dun ng the year ended .1 une i0. 1899.
(a) l'reparatorv classes
(/n Collegiate and special cIases
(, Total, counting none twice
2. Nnnilier in all other departments
11. Number of staff of lixperi 0 ent Station
MALE.
ii ALE.
College if Agrictilt ire and Mechanic Arts
-
-
a
19
19
-
)
-_
11
V[. Students (luring the year endeil June 39,
1899.
MAIL.
Fi.ai SI.!-.
1. College of Agricull ure and Mechanic Arts
Preparators classes
191)
123
0) Collegiate soil special classes
S
7
(ci l'ost Graduate courses
111
197
Total
2. Number ill all other ilepartlllellts
ii. Number of studellts that pursued courses in agriculture, .d mechanical engineering, 107
civil engineering, Ilolle electrical engifleeri fig, 6 mining engineering, none architecilitary
ture, none ho itscliold economy, 132 veterinary scielice, l101i dairyi 11g. none
tactics, 19)).
4. What degrees and how many of each kind were conferred iii 1595-1599
On well ii. S on 17 men.
(ill wolllen B. S. on 17 wonien
\1hat awl how nmanv I! 000rarv degrees were con (erred 1999-1599, none.
(ii
-
-
-
-
III
;
ill
(Signed:)
THOS. M. GATCII, President.
By F. BE RCHTOLD, Dean.
August 5, 1899.
REPORT OF THE I)IRECTOR
STATION.
To f/u' 1-Joilorahif Board of Rogeufs of f/if' Ormgoa Agrfr'u//ura/ C'o//ege
a ii d E.uperiiii en / S/a f/on
G1':N'rl.lEN:----l)uring the past year the work of the station has
been tInder tile ilnnlediate supervision of the Viee-1)ireetor, and to
his report and the reports of other members of the council I flhllst
refer you for inforitlation ill detail.
ilie work has made sat i sfaet ory oh Va neemen t.
In some lines it
has surpassed that of preceding years.
In the last year's report these words occur:
'' Our Winter Short
Course was but a repetition of the failure that has eharacerized
'verv other attempt made by the college in this direction." It flow'
14
gives me great pleasure, by way of contrast, to state that our last
short course was one of unqualified success. The members of the
large class, coming together from all parts of the state, were interested, even enthusiastic, in their studies. We were greatly hampered for want of room, as our other classes could not be neglected.
Any day we could hardly tell where we should meet the short
course people; but no one complained, all seemed to be pleased.
The coming winter we can allot to the class a large lecture room
for its special use, and in an adjoining room we can have several
tables supplied with the best agricultural literature. We anticipate
another successful season.
An increased interest is also manifest in our farmers' institutes.
It is gratifying to feel assured that no mistake was made in the
selection of our Vice-Director.
Find accompanying a statement of account.
THOS. M. GATCH, Director.
July 19, 1899.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT.
Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, in account with tTnited States
Appropriation, 1898-1899.
DR.
To receipts from the Treasurer of the ITnited States as per appropriatioll
for fiscal year ending June 30, 1899, as per Act of Congress approved
March 2, 3887 ----------------------------------------------------------
615,000.00
CS.
BySalaries ------------------------------------------------------------------- 7620.00
Labor--------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,124.01
586.45
Publications --------------------------------------------------------------Postageandstationery -------------------------------------------------------------Freight and express ------------------------------------------------------ 324.10
Heat,light, and water -------------------------------------------------------------Chemical supplies --------------------------------------------------------- 689.72
Seeds, plants, and sundry supplies --------------------------------------- 1,038.05
93.81
Fertilizers ----------------------------------------------------------------58.00
Feeding stuffs ------------------------------------------------------------Library -------------------------------------------------------------------- 296.83
550.00
Tools, implements, and machinery --------------------------------------Furniture and fixtures -------------------------------------------------------------Scientificapparatus ---------------------------------------------------------------Livestock ----------------------------------------------------------------- 135.00
Traveling expenses ------------------------------------------------------- 532.30
26.45
Contingent expenses -----------------------------------------------------28.25
Buildings and repairs ----------------------------------------------------$15,000.00
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT.
Local Station Fund.
Balance on hand July 1,1899 ------------------------------------------------- $ 1,237.31
Received from sales offarm products, etc ------------------------------------ - 594.36
$ 1,831.67
Disbursed forbuildingrepairs ----------------------------------------------Balance on hand --------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,781.67
50.00
1.5
REPORT OF THE VICE-1)IRECTOR.
President T/ios. W. Gate/i, Director of //ic Agricultural Ererirneizt
S/a/ion:
Six:I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of
the department of agriculture accompanied by the subj oined annual
reports of the experiment station chemist, horticulturist, entomologist, and bacteriologist for the year ending June 30, 1X99.
1IELD \VORK.
The labors of the respective departments of the station (luring the
past year have been mainly spent along lines of such research work
as would he capable of immediate prtctical application to the farm
and orchard. Various problems, more or less serious in character,
confront the farmer and orchardist. These problems differ in accordance with soil and climatic conditions of which we have at least
two very distinct types within the borders of this state.
In the eastern portion of the state, the question of the conservation of mr.oisturc, of the maintenance of a desirable physical condition of wheat producing land, of the replenishment of ranges with
nutritious grasses, and of irrigation, demand the immediate and
serious attention of this station. At the present time wheat is being successfully grown in this portion of the state upon arid and
senu-arid land without irrigation; but the method eniploved in the
prepLration of the land, while eminently satisfactory to the farmer
at preselit, is, however, a temporary expedient only, and will ultiniatelv terminate disastrously to the productiveness of the soil. The
objectionable metho( 1 is the summer fall ow. This system of farniing reduces the humus content of the soil through tue rapid oxidation of time former, thus changing the physical character of the soil
so as to render it less retentive of moisture. Although large areas
of this section are yielding profitable crops of the cereals at present
with normal prccipitations, a continuation of this system will hasten
the day when irrigation will lie indispensable to the production of a
crop.
In view of these conditions in this section of the state, an effort
is being put forth by this station to solve these problems. A tract
of land has been leased in a typical wheat area of Sherman county
for the purpose of continuing a series of experiments in humus
16
forming forage plants, and testing various methods of cultivation
as to their ultimate effect upon soil moisture.
In western Oregon the conditions are favorable for the growing of
grasses and legurninous plants, and the work of this department at
the station has been mainly confined to the growth and consumption
of these valuable nitrogen gathering forage plants with the intention of ascertaining their value as a rotation crop for the wheat
areas of this portion of the state. For this purpose peas have been
quite extensively grown this year. Some of these will be harvested
by hogs, so that their value for food for this class oL animals may
he ascertained and the question of their economical production in
lieu of the bare summer fallow determined. Vetches are also grown
for the purpose of noting their effect upon wheat production and as
an economical winter feed for sheep. We contemplate the feeding
of a considerable quantity of this hay to sheep the coming winter to
ascertain its value as a flesh former.
The matter of thin, medium, and thick seeding of wheat, also the
depasturrng of winter wheat with sheep has been taken up the past
year and we hope to continue this work for a series of years.
TESTING OF VARIETIES.
The testing of varieties as practiced by this station for a number
of years has been continued, and in addition to the large number of
grasses and other forage plants previously introduced, many new
varieties, especially of the annual leguminous class, have been added during the past year. This work, however, should be revised,
and a large number of varieties eliminated that are of no economic
importance. Only those indicating an adaptability to conditions
found here should he perpetuated; while those dropped should be
replaced from time to time with new varieties, the history of which
will commend them for trial.
The growing of fiber producing plants has been dropped for the
simple fact that it has been fully demonstrated that a good quality
of flax and hemp can be grown in Oregon.
A number of new varieties of European hops have been introduced during the past year. The object for so doing is to find if
possible varieties that will mature early and medium early so that
the grower can secure them before the early fall rains begin. When
found, such varieties are required to be rich in lupulin.
117
I':xPEI{TMF:NT FEE1)LNO.
Tins work in the past year has been confined to hogs and dairy
Nine hogs of the same breed and age, of nearly equal size,
were divided into three lots. Lot one was fed on chopped wheat;
lot two, chopped barley; lot three, chopped barley and cooked potatoes. For economical production of pork, the barley and potatoes
proved to be slightly the best ration.
In connection with Professor F.. L. Kent a rather novel expericows.
rnent in the feeding and milking of cows was undertaken. Six cows
were selected as near alike as possible, and of about the same period
Qf lactation. These were divided into two lots, one of which was
fed and milked regularly while the other lot was fed and milked
irregularly. The two lots consumed practically the same amount
of feed, but a net loss occurred with the lot irregularly fed and
milked of approximately ten per cent.
Another prominent feature
of this experiment was the uniformity in the yield of butter fat.
Hitherto it has been supposed that long intervals between milkings
are responsible for lessening the per cent. of butter fat; but in this
instance no appreciable variations occurred.
ANIMAL IIU5BANT)IIV.
In addition to the Jersey herd previously established, a few
choice Short Horns have been introduced as representatives of the
beef type. These will he maintained for experiments in feeding,
and for object lessons for the farmer and student.
A small hut select flock of sheep, consisting of Cotswolds and
Shropshires, has also been added to the live stock of the farm during the past year. This branch of animal husbandry is destined to
be of inestimable value to the wheat grower. For the judicious
handling of these animals in connection with a wise system of crop
rotation will solve the piohlem of perpetuating the fertility of our
wheat farms.
1ARMERS' INSTITITTES.
This branch of educational work is worthy of encouragement.
Probably hut few systems afford better opportunities for acquainting
t.he farmer with new methods in husbandry and the results of sta.tion
work than that of the institute. At the meetings the interchanging
of views is mutually beneficial to the farmer and scientist. The
former secures scientific information upon tcpics of immediate in-
18
terest to him and is instructed in its practical application to the
farm; while the latter is brought to realize more vividly the needs
and perplexities of the farmer.
There is a growing (lemanLi for more institutes and while the
station is ever ready and willing to accede to these demands, it is;
however, becoming annually more difficult on the part of the station
officials to fulfill these obligations, owing to the constant increase
in the work of the station. Furthermore, there is no available fund
at the station's disposal for this work. Hitherto the practice has
been to defray the contingent expenses from the station fund, hut
this is construed by the Department at \Vashington as not being
strictly in accordance with the spirit of the law. For the relief of
this condition and for the further extension of this important branch
of agricultural education, it is to be hoped that the state will make
adequate provision.
Under the auspices of this college (luring the past year, farmers'
institutes were held in the following counties: Benton, Clatsop,
Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah,
Umatilla, Union, WTallowa, Washington, and Wasco.
FARMERS' SHORT COURSE.
It is gratifying to note the interest nianifested by our farmers in
this course and we hope to strengthen materially this branch of our
work during the coming year.
This course is designed to meet the wants of agriculturists who
cannot conveniently take a full college course in agriculture. Our
aim is to impart to the student a large amount of thoiougly practical information upon pertinent topics relating to general farming,
as stock breeding and feeding; causes and treatment of the common
diseases affecting farm animals; dairying, including butter making
and cheese making, and the use of the Babcock test; gardening and
fruit growing, etc. In fact every class of information calculated for
the promotion and betterment of agriculture. The past year 102
students were enrolled in this course, representing 19 counties.
GENERAL WORK OF THE STATION.
This will be more specifically stated in the reports of the chiefs of
the various departments. In addition to the work already in hand,
there are many subjects of economic importance, that are worthy of
immediate attention. Among these are problems in fruit evapora-
19
tion; cross-fertilization of fruits; the production of new varieties
that will supply the requirements of the coming trade in the Orient,
anti which will he better suited to local eonditions; observatons in
climatological effects on fruit polination ; and investigations in soil
bacteriology to determine if possible why clover fails to grow on
some of the typical wheat land of western Oregon.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Cash received during the year from sales of farm prod icts, including
stock--------------------------------------------------------------------- $533
Cash received (luring the year for dairy products ------------------
3J
375 6o
$908 91
Ad K NO WIEDGEM ENT5.
I desire to acknowledge on the part of the station our obligations
to the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Mr. A. Ti. Leckenbv for
a very liberal contribution of valuable seeds during the past year.
Also desire to express to the managers of the Southern Pacific, and
the (i)regon Railway and Navigation Companies our keen appreciation of their generosity in granting transportation so liberally and
thus enabling us to enlarge materially the scope of our field work.
\Ve are under especial obligations to the press of the state for its
cordial support and trust that the endeavors of the station will continue to merit tins mark of esteem.
It seems proper in this connection to mention the donation by
lion. .John B. Waldo to the station library of a very interesting
volume on agriculture written by Marshall, 1774.
C()N('LUSJON.
in conclusion, Mr. Director, I desire to express my sincere appreciation for the cordial support received from all the members of the
staff, and for the harmony of purpose, and faithfulness to duty
among all of the members during the past year.
Very respectfully submitted,
JAMES WITHYCOMBE.
20
REPORT OF THE CHEMIST.
Dr. James Wi/IC'combe, Vice-Direc/or of Oregon Ei5erimen/ S/a/ion:
Mv DEAR SIR:I have the honor to submit the following report
of work done in the chemical department of the station during the
year ending June 30, 1899.
On account of the resignation of Mr. Frank E. Edwards as second
assistant in the laboratory, during the first three months of the
year, I was without regular assistance, Mr. Fulton being on leave of
absence studying the subject of soil physics in the east.
It was September before a suitable man could be found to fill the
vacancy made by Mr. Edwards' resignation, at the salary offered.
Mr. C. M. McKellips, Ph. C., a graduate from Purdue University,
was finally sccured and has done most excellent work during the
past year.
The work of the department has been conducted along the same
general plan as in former years and is arranged in accordance with
the following outline:
I. Soils.(1) To acquire as much information as possible relative to the chemical characteristics of typical soil areas of the state.
(2) Also relative to the physical nature of these soil areas with
particular reference to their moisture conditions.
(3) A study of the lime content of the Willamette valley soils
and the effect of linhing.
(4) A study of the alkali soils of eastern Oregon, togetlìer with
an experiment in reclaiming such soils to determine the practicability of such work.
Fer/i/izers.--(5) A study of the effect of lime and potash separately and combined with other plant food (a) on worn soils, with
special crops; (h) on prunes and cherries with the view of determining its effect on the size and quality of the fruit.
Frui/.(6) General investigation as to the composition of Oregon fruits.
(7) Investigations as to the most favorable conditions under
which prunes may be dried.
Miscellaneous.--(8) Relative merits of varieties of wheat and the
effect of change of climate on composition of these wheats.
(9) Composition of Oregon forage plants and mill products.
21
(10) Experiments in growing sorghum for syrup making in
southern and eastern Oregon.
(11) Digestion experiments with cattle foods.
(12) Investigations as to the relative composition and merits of
Oregon and foreign hops, having in view the introduction of varieties richer in lupulin, tannin, and gum than those now grown here.
The above outline is of the regular lines of work in the chemical
department. There is, however, more or less work of a very miscellaneous character which comes to us from various sources which
is undertaken if the matter seems to be of public interest.
It must be understood that work under all these heads is not be-
ing conducted continuously at all times for the charaetr of the
work in hand at an particular time is in a measure dependent of
the season of the year and the demands from class instruction.
The various lines of investigation are advanced as fast as conditions
will permit.
Within the limits of this report it will be impossible to discuss at
any length the application of the results obtained in the analyses
presented. Suffice it to say that with the exception of a few minor
analyses the work here given fits into the scheme presented above
and will be discussed itt length in bulletin form at the p'p time,
and as rapidly as the facilities for l)ul)lication will perriiit.
1)uring the past year only a limited amount of time has been de-
voted purely to soil analysis. The work in this line has been
mainly that of verification with the exception of such as lied reference to alkali investigations in eastern Oregon which will be spoken
of later.
Some attention has been paid to verifying observations on the
acidity of soils which has resulted in confirming the data presented
last veer, viz., that at least 60 per cent of tIme soils of the Willamette
valley are acid and need liming to enable them to do their best
Every sample of red hill land so far examined has given an
acid reaction. Particularly is this acidity true of a sample of the
Waldo Hills soil recently examined.
We have verified the acidity of these soi1s---first mentioned in a
work.
report from this department two years agoso often that there can
no longer be any doubt of the fact. It now remains with the baeteriologist to demonstrate the best conditions for the growth of
dover bacteria, and those of other plants in these soils.
22
Soils.(2) Experiments as to the conservation of moisture in
eastern Oregon soils are now being conducted in conjunction with
the agricultural department, the moisture determinations being
made in this department.
Soils.---(4) Experimcnts on the alkali soils of eastern Oregon
were also begun this year. We were able to secure the co-operation
of Mr. J. P. McMinn, of Milton, in this work. Mr. McMinn does
all the work and furnishes the land without expense to the institution and works under our direction. The plat under experiment is
one-half acre selected from a 32 acre field that will not produce any
vegetation at all according to Mr. McMinn's statement. One half
of the experimental plat is left in its natural state this year for experimenting with several kinds of crops to ascertain if a stand of
any of them can be obtained. The other half was treated as follows:
The plat was laid off into squares of 30 feet and at each corner a
charge of powder was used sufficiently large to break up the underlying hard pan. A dressing of 500 pounds of gypsum was then
given to the plat and the ground thoroughly cultivated, and subjected to treatment with water several times. If such ground can
be reclaimed at a reasonable expense it means much to many farmers in eastern Oregon for it is permanently fertile and the richest
soil in the state.
Analysis of the alkali from this field shows the active constituent
of the alkali to be carbonate of soda constituting the so-called black
alkali. One-tenth per cent of which is sufficient to prevent the
growth of any crop. The following analysis shows the composition
of the leachings froth 100 grams of the surface salts:
Soda----------------------------------------------------------------- 51210
Potash. -------------------------------------------------------------- .1920
Iron and alumina ------------------------------------------------------ 2970
Phosphoric acid --------------------------------------------------------- 0768
Chlorin ------------------------------------------------------------------- o28o
Sulfuric acid --------------------------------------------------------- i.ro6o
Silica ----------------------------------------------------------------- 0605
Carbonic acid --------------------------------------------------------- 3.1000
Total ----------------------------------------------------------- 10.5803
insoluble in water ----------------------------------------------- 89.4197
Analyses from other spots show the alkali of this region of the
state to be quite generally of the black form (carbonate of soda).
Examination of samples from different depths taken at Athena
show as follows:
23
'c
i._t
S
--K
S.
DEPTh TAKEN,
1452
.l
(a) 6 inches
(b 12 inches --------------------------------------(c)llinches ----------------------------------------(0)24 inches ----------------------------------------
llardpan (e) 36 inches
19.56
1.15
1.15
1.15
05.10
.51
.14
.17
.17
.72
.44
.29
15
7.41
2.40
2.cl
5.7;
The above table shows the soluble salts to he much the strongest
within the first six inches of the surface. It will also be noticed
that the soluble carbonates, at a depth of 3h inches, are very slight,
and that. the insoluble carbonates as shown by the amount of carbonic acid present are excessively collected at that depth, which
measures the depth to which the winter rains penetrate and thus
form the liardpan by the cementing action of the lime carbonate
present. The detailed results of these experiment.s will be 1sublished in bulletin form in due time. At the time of the writing of
t.liis report the report of Mr. McMinn on t.he condition of the plants
at the present time is not at hand.
EXPF:1-IIMENT \VTT}I F13!ITILIZI:Rs, 5 (a).- --A detailed plan of certain
experimental plats located on the farm for the plsIpose of continued
work in testing the effect of lime and potash on Various crops was
presented in the report of it(98. The plat.s last season were planted
to pott.()es more for the purpose of the cultivation which it was
necessary to give, than for well defined results in yield, as this crop
is known not to lie very susceptible to the effect of linse. The season was not at all conducive to good results, so far as yield was concerned, which was very small indeed.
PoT_sH ON PIIcNE5. The experiments conducted with potash applied to prune trees was limited the past season to an experimental
1dat located west of the station on the orchard of Prof. E. B. McElroy.
Experinents were begun both on Italians and Petites with
the view of ascertaining the effect of potash salts on the size quality
of the fruit.. It is expected to continue this experiment several
years before reporting any final results.
((i) CosleosITmox AND Foon
VAL['E
OF ORECoN FRuITs.---uch cx-
animations of fruit are of value both from a scientific and practical
standpoint, (1) giving a comparison of different varieties; (2) furnisliing a. point of departure for the development of other new va.-
ricties along desired lines; (3) contributing to our knowledge of
24
the average composition of the fruit; (4) and representing the degree of improvement over wild fruit.
(7) C0NrnTI0N5 FOR DRYING
FuUIT.-Under this head some ex-
periments in dipping were conducted to ascertain the effect of dip-
ping on small fruit. This was undertaken to determine if such
fruit could he made to properly check by increasing the strength of
lye used. The results showed that small prunes are not effected by
the ordinary process of le dipping and that increasing either the
strength of solution or the time of keeping the fruit in the solution
merely made the prunes crack deep into the flesh instead of properly
checking.
For a more detailed description of the results you are
respectfully referred to Bulletin 56.
BRANDY FOR BROWN ROTTED PRFNES.-In the fall of 1898 an ex-
periment was conducted to ascertain if it was possible to utilize
prunes that were affected with "brown rot" for the manufacture of
a saleable quality of brandy. The experiment was suggested very
late in the season and the test was made only qualitatively.
Experiments were conducted (1) on prunes slightly affected with
the disease, (2) on prunes very badly affected. In both cases the
fruit gave a saleable quality of the product, hut not one that would
be called first class. The experiment showed that it is possible to
manufacture this affected fruit into a usable quality of brandyprobably equal in quality to much that is on the market.
CATTLE Foops.-But two alnalyses of cattle foods have been made
during the past year. One (1513) of native hay from Union
county and one of harley (1503) used in a feeding experiment conducted by the department of agriculture.
Mixed
Barley.
native hay
Salsify.
.0
a
a
a
o
a
8.75
01.25
........
........
11.21
88.79
100.00
100.00
100.00
a
Moisture .....................................
Dry matter ....................................
Total.......................................
223
Alburnetloids ................................... 11.25
Carbohydrates ............................... 36.79
Fat
Crude fiber .....................................
Ash ............................................
30.86
10.12
2 44
12.21
40.45
33.82
11.08
234
10.19
67.98
5.66
2.62
)
77.07
22.93
100 00
267
11.47
6.38
2.95
.
100.00
100.00
150
1 93
4.16
3.21
r 82
1
'
.40
.34
UnIei' the liea(l of food stuffs niav vel1 in included several inaivot human foods wiiirli have been made iii the theinical della rtnient the past ve;ir.
ie.ii Bni-:rs.---Durine t lie past ear thee has 1 ecu analyzed
ses
1 lout 2o() 511 flI lies ot suIg:ui
beets grown in the state, showing an
average p-' cent of sugar of 1.l2, and a purity ot hi vr cent. An
experiineiIt was a iso conducted iii the storing of beets in connection
with I i Martin \Vinch of the Ladd & Heed farm. The results of
the experiments in beet culture have been gone over a lId tali1ated
for the punmose of having all data more accessible and to contrast
data for a Lu] let ill that is in peparatio11 wliiclì will show the final
re-u1ts 11 beet (lilture. It is expected to drop this line of work tiis
year as the (Ia ta in hand shows conclusively what localities are
adaptn I to beet culture a in! which a ic ni It.
'I'he results show trials
with varieties, ha ivesti g at ditferent dates, yield and sugar c u1tent
on hill and bottoiii land, and the relation of sugar content and
purity and weight of beet to the specific gravity of the juice.
Hiere lois 1 sen sul stituted for this line of work investigations in
the growth of sorghum ill eastern and southern Oregon for the purpos' of syrup making. This was lone as the industry is so closely
relate( I to that of suga i pi'odtiction, a ild the ci imitic conditions in
each of these localities seem favoralde to sorghum provided a
cientiv early maturing varetv can he found.
Mis(i:ii\Ni:oIs. -l.nder this he:ol are included all such analyses
15 (10 not fall under one of the regular lilies above niiined.
There
is an i ilIrcas i ng hemand on the dcl artnient for a great variety of
a na lvscs an(l it is consta ntiv a question as t( what may he included
in the regular work of the station. The policy adopted has been to
include iiothuiiig which seemed to he of a purely personal nature.
.-l.NAIvSIS (1i GYPSUM.
l:1t19
1375
Jlisoiuhieresilllle ---------------------------------------1urecrvstaiizcdgvpstim
S.3.S2 93.9:1
1-19.3
1 till
1311$
1291
5.76
19
9-1.32 sILOS 54711 89.0-i
10.44 11.21
1.314
19
jitne cai-bni,ate, etc ----------------------------------------- 324275 9.-iS 11,78 93.S4
397
1151.00IIol).o)10:),00100 5100,00
Thre( of these saiiiples, I öOd, I 2i1, tind I 11 -I are samples of Oregon gypsum and show that we have within our borders as pure gyp-
sum as can he found any where in the United States. Two others
were from California and two from .Japan ;aIl, however, were on
sale in Portland.
ANALYSIS OF LIMESTONEOREGON,
1125
C-Oci
in oid (lime)
I
1529
1530
o. 63
1537
4 ol 42
o
Insoluble matter --------------------------------------------------- 1.30 .96 1.31
Iron and alumni ------------------------------------------------------ Trace Trace Trace
Magnesia-------------------------------------------------------------- 1.37 .16 .15
Carbon
4.0)
dioxid .......................................................... 41.95 43.251 42.87 41.97
Total ............................................................... 100.00100.00100.00100.00
The above are all samples of Oregon limestones. \Ve have also
named ten miscellaneous minerals for various parties, and one metallic incrustation.
LAUREL GREEN.---An examination of a new insecticide called
"laurel green" was niade, which showed it to consist of copper,
arsenic, lime, sulfuric acid, and carha)nic acid. There were present:
Copper...................................................................................
9.92
Arsenic .................................................................................... 7.80
PARIs (lIEENs.---Three determinations of arsenic in Paris green
have been made as follows:
No.
No.
No.
1367 ................................................................................. 37.76
1368 ................................................................................45.23
3480 ................................................................................ 54.69
A sample of crematory ashes sent. by Martin Winch, of Portland,
was examined with the following results:
Moisture ............................................................................
8.89
Nitrogen..........................................................................38
Soluble Phosphoric Acid ........................................................ Trace
Reverted Phosphoric Acid ....................................................... 42
Insoluble Phosphoric Acid ..................................................... i .6o
Potash.................................................................................12
The following ptrtial analyses of soils were made and sent from
La Grande, by H. Cordes.
1383.1 1484.11 1485.111
Phosphoric Acid
2.10
--------------------------------------------------------------2
Potash...........................................................
Nitrogen...........................................................
.5)
.13
2.10
4.00
.06
.54
.15
.00
.40
.11
27
These soil inalvses were made in ioiiiiiitioii with the developimient of the shear beet seeil (xperiments which are 1 in ((inducted
at I a Gram le.
INST1TI'TEs. -l)urini the year I have attended institutes at La
irande, Mi) fi n, The Pal les. Flood River, and Ilebron, as well as a
meeting of the State Da i rv Ass elation held in Port lan( I
ion 'ni I: STATE Fool) CoMMrssIoNl:ii. -1)urii the year there
have been alia lvzed for the State Dairy and Food Coniinissioner i
sa iiiples of el Iv, sami des of all Spice, 4 sa in pIes of susl)e(te(l butter
and ;i samples (if (Olid(nise(l nulk.
PnocEssF:D It i'n'nm:n. -1 )itriiii the year sonic time was spent in (leveloping ii iliethO(l by which so-called processed butter'' could be
identified with certai ntv After consa lera 1 de experi mnenting a
Wi(5 found whereby this can be done, I believe, with absolute certainty. This work was rendered necessary on account of the
iiiethiod
iii (1 that flIUehI of this ma ten a I was being shipped fri in the ei st a in)
was seriously underselling the genuine dairy butter and was a formni Ia) de eomnpet it( (r in appearance and otherwise.
\V it Ii this meth el
be) ieve it will he possible to a fly sample of such goods. in the
prosecution of this work 14 different sani(les of ordinal-v 1 utters
were examined besides the several samples of the spurious article.
\V}ia'rmmEn ltri(m;A[.Observations for the weather bureau have
been under the supervision of this department for the past year.
Mr. E. J. Lea, a post graduate student in the department has had
immediate charge of the work of making readings and observations.
I (lesire to coniniend the faithfulness, nei ness and (lespatchi with
which he has looked after the matter
I
PuBlIcATioNs ANI) Coumim:si NOENCE.The publications of this department are: huh letin n5---Corn position of Cherries. Bulletin 5(i--
Points on Prune l)ipping and Alkalinity of Commercial Lves.
The correspondence of the department hiasassunied considerable
proportions. This may he considered significant and valuable in
more ways than one. First, it indicates an interest in the work of
the department throughout the state; second, it indicates a desire
on the part of the people for the information they believe us able to
(onifliuflicate third, it aequai its us with an innumerable number
of facts am) conditions whiehi serve a valuable office in our work.
While these inquiries often require no little time and labor to give
the (lesired information, vet I believe this method of instruction to
lie laden with excellent results both to the public and to the station.
Respectfully submitted,
(l. W. SHAW.
REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLO(iIST.
To the T 'ice-Director.
Sru:--I herein- re pectfullv submit a brief report on the work of
the department on entomology and plant diseases for the year ending June 30, 1 S99. The work of the department may be conveniently considered un(ler the following heads:
1. A study of inj uriouS insects.
2. A study of injurious fungi.
3. Spraying experiments and tests of other remedies.
4. Care of the collection.
5. Correspondence a ml pul d hat ion.
Ix.wnioi's IxsFa"rs.At the beginning of the year it was thought
best to select for investigation a comparatively few of the most important of the more than one hundred and fifty species of insects
which have come under our observation during the last four years.
Accordingly with the advice of yourself and the President the following list was prepared, a perusal of which will convey an idea of
the scope of the work of the department:
1. The codling moth; continuation of ohservations on its habits,
enemies and remedies.
2. Bark diseases. A study of their causes and prevention (new
work).
3. The hop apliis. Observations on histor and enemies. Experiment at spraying.
4. The prune root borer. Work to be continued.
5. The p1une twig borer. \Vork nearly finished.
G. The green apple aphis. Work to be continued.
7. The woolv aphis. Work to be continued.
S. Strawberry pests. Continued work on Sesia rutilans, Anarsia
sp. Phoxopteris comptana, Haltica (sp. ?) and leaf spot.
9. San Jose scale. Further experiments with fungus diseases.
10. Brown rot. Experimental spraying. New work.
11 . The cucumi er 1 eetle. Study of (listril ution, food ida nts, life
history and remedies. New work.
12. Pea weevil. Experimental spraying. New work.
13. Wheat pests. Hessian fly, joint worni, aphis, &c. New work.
14. (iarden sls. ('ahiage lutterflv, cahlaite pititella, root niaggots, (. iew work.
Cut worm a rot tlirips. New work.
I '. ( )nion 1ests.
( )regon grasS11O)perS.
1
iT. \I iscellaneous work with insecticides.
1
.
Breeding iiiiscellaneous pests and recording observations on
sa me.
it). Additi 115 to the ('( (Ileetion nd rca na inement of same.
The cod1ini moth, by reason of its iniportance as au apple pest,
has received considerable attention. Much relating to its 1it1(its
and to the methods of c ntroI1ini it has 1 cell learned and the work
is so promising that it is intended to make it one of the chief lines
of w ok iii the future. The prune twig iii iner, anarsia lineatel Ia
which attraete(i so fllUeh attention luring the seasons of I i( -PT,
has this season (lone but little iiuj urv.
and to a less extent in 1
some work upon its habits has been loiie, however, and a bulletin
upon this insect will be pilhlislled (luring the wear.
1
Cerl ii
the ni (St iniporta nt cii toniologiea I event of the Ia st
ear
has been the uiuiustial lppeiirance in injurious nunll(ers of various
wheat insects. The wheat aphis was unusually abundant over a
large la rt of t lie \\ilaniette valley. At ((lie I lace at least the oint
worni winch I think has not been before recorded from this state,
(lid (olisideriil(le iniurv; and wor4 of all, the Hessian fly, which
tiad never been before reported from the state, liis recently done
considerable damage a long the lower Columbia and in rfiilUl)Ot)k
(oiimitv
Among garden pests, it is worthy (If note that the I'uropea ii cabI cige butterfly has developed in i niurions nunibers in the state during the past wear. It has undoubtedly I (en I resent for several years
but has never before attracted attention its a serious pest. The cabbage 1(1 utella, iv Ii ieh I think has never been recorded from the state,
attracted considerable attention last year, as lid also the root maggot,
which works in cabbages, radishes, turnil(s, e. The striped encum1 (er I (cetle has iii the past two or tb ree years beconie a- serious l(est
to cucumbers, iii ci ons, SlUa shes, bea nsa no I ((tiler gil rden vegeta I des,
and a study of its history has oeeul(ied considerable of our attention.
Fex a es I) isi:\sm:s.--- karl v in tIe year an a rrangemnent was made
with yourself and the 1((tanist by which the (lepartnlent Was to Conduct the work in plant (liseases. In accordance with this arrangement work was i nmuediitclv begun upon brown rot, a disease which
30
(luring the past two years has done niuch inj urv to ripening prunes
and peaches. A bulletin on this subject has recently been issued
from the department.
We have also undertaken a study of the hark diseases variously
known as canker," "dead spot," &c. These diseases are among
the most serious menaces to apple and prune growing, and we expect that in the near future we shall discover their nature and a reliable and satisfactory reniedv for them.
During the year we have also succeeded in introducing a disease
of the San Jose Scale which on a small scale has been quite efficient in destroying this perliicious pest. Cultures of the disease will
ha made and distributed to fruit growers living in the chief scale
infected areas in the state.
SPRAYIMi ExJ':Rr1Ex'rs.---Spraving experiments have been conducted this season on a more extensive scale than hitherto. Not
onl was the college orchard used but co-operative experiments
were conducted in the orchards of Mr. J. B. Irvine, Mr. Rose, Mr.
Herzig and Mr. Thomas \Vhitehorn which were very courteously
turned over to us for the purpose. The almost total failure of the
apple and prune crop will render these experiments almost valueless so far as they are related to the codling moth and brown rot;
hut it is expected that they will furnish data relative to the efficieiìcy of spraying in controlling leaf and bark diseases. Experiments in spraying for hop louse are under way and tests are being
made of several pi'oprietai'y spraying compounds, and of the effects
of kerosene and of arsenic upon foliage.
CA IdE OF ThE CoILEcTIoN.Several thousand specimens have
been added to the collection which has now reached quite a respectable size. The Coleoptera have been entirely rearranged and the
work of arranging the other orders will be completed as soon as
possible.
CoRIn:seoNDENcI AND PuBLIcATroNs.The correspondence of the
department continues to increase and now forms no inconsiderable
part of our labors particularly since the work in plant diseases has
been transferred to this department.
In addition to the bulletin on brown rot previously mentioned we
have furnished for publication a iiumber of articles for the ps
through press bulletins and otherwise and contributed to the
biennial report of the State Board of Horticniture an article on
diseases of the prune.
1
As cliiurman of the short course comnuttee we arranged the course
of lectures, edited the advertising matter relating to it and delivered
a course ot ten iectures before the class. \\ealso spent several
weeks during the year in institute work.
Respectful lv,
A. B. CORI)LEY.
REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.
Ja
tV//In 'corn be, I 'Ice-Derec/or:
l)i: u Si in- Herewith find a brief
112 CS
report of the condition of the
work and equipment of this department for the year 1St)S-1i)9.
The outline of work as scheduled at the opening of the year has
been followed as closely as conditions would permit. Referring to
the scheme of work accompanying this report I may say of section
I: The selection of seeds md stocks is being made from time to tunic
as niaterial becomes a vailable. The season being cold and wet, and
there being such a heavy loss of trees and fruit buds by the late
Februa rv freeze, our work of pollinization has yielded returns with
cherries only. Of these we have the fruits of ten crosses. A fairly
good start for tIme work of breeding cherries, considering the prevaili ng coin litions, climatically and otherwise, of the present year.
Of the introduction of new varieties, we have clone little owing to
the unsettled condition regarding the grounds about the greenhouse,
which has heretofore been used for carrying on the work of the vegetable and small fruit section. Sonic half dozen or more varieties
of pers, apples, cherries, and nuts have been planted to the east of
the new orclman I and, with the exception of a few trees, which were
receiye( I in poor condition, all are doing well.
Of the ornamental trees and shrubs no purchases have been made.
This is a feature of the work that should receive especial attention
this fall. For the puipos of getting the plants well started in tIme
nursery, 1 efore putting out on time campus, lm1rc11asc' should be made
early. To meet time demand made Lv home builders for information
as to what trees, shrubs and vines to plant, we should begin to make
large test plantings of ornamentals, which could he macic to (h)
mc double service by ornamenting time grounds.
32
As to section II: The work of collecting seeds and plants of our
promising native herbs, shrubs and trees is being acti velv carried on
As well as collecting and
locating material myself, I have enlisted the support of several students on the work and anticipate a generous supply of material from
this source. Numerous citizens have also expressed a determination
to help by collecting local plants of interest and value.
Of section III: Little pmgless has been made, though the chemist,
with whom the work is to he conducted conjointly, has procured ap-
(luring the present vacation months.
paratus for starting the preliniriy work on prunes, there having
been secured the use of a suitable evaporator space. The work of
fruit preservation by jellying, fermentation, &c., is deemed of considerable importance, and it is only a matter of time till the station
must undertake the investigation of methods and apparatus for the
work.
The horticulturists of the state have been asking for this
work for the past ten years. With the next large crop they will demand information along these lines and the college should be prepared to meet their request.
In regard to the work of section IV: It may he said to be temIt is I ioped that we may he enabled to co-operate
with the voluntary weather observers next year.
Section V: Of time matter for bulletins I niav say it is slowly accumulating. No special eth)rt having been given to any particular
phase of the work, the (lepartment is not prepared to promise publication of any matter at any date in time inimediate future.
Of section VI: A limited amount of tests are being carried on as
naturally follows from the orchard and garden plantings previously
porari lv deferred.
made.
CoInmF:sPoNm:xcI:.The correspondence of the department is a
considerable part of its work, including as it does, the identification
of fruits and plants, and the occasional elaborate discussions of cultural, varietal and scientific questions pertaining to orchard, garden
and field crops.
EQvIPMENT.TO the botanical and forestal collections many hundred specimens have been added. No complete data have been kept.
as the work of the collecting season makes it impossible to number
the specimens. The literature and apparatus added to the depart-
ment during the past year have greatly increased the efficiency
with which the work of the department may be done. A few hundred dollars more material along these lines will put the depart-
0)
ment in condition for original work b regula r and special students,
as well as iiiiteria liv iliiprovi hg the w-ork of the regular ofiieers.
O'riicii \Voiu. The natural outcome of a svsteniatic scheme (if
investigations results in carrying a long with it many subsidiary investigations One of the most interesting ones at present being the
test of relative values of root and top i run ing in the planting of
orchard trees. This work on a liberal scale is now inaugurated and
it is hoped to enlarge it next spring.
FIELD WoRK nv STII)vN'rs--The indirect aid liv students has
been secured for the purpose of adding to the collection of seeds and
phi nts. The req iii rements of the class-roon are made to co-operate
w'ith the needs of the dej ci rtnient. Not only (hoes the depa rtnien
nee( I a full set of tI ie plants of the state, but it a iso need s a full set,
in fact several sets, of the seeds of its plants.
Fri:LD \Voi-tv.-----Original research in botany is best made at piesent, perhaps, through field collections. There is much sstematic
work to be done and as three or four lines of work can he carried on
at the same time it is important tlia t Some weeks of the sununer
As the work contemplated in the
publication of a bulletin on our native trees and shrubs is largely
vacation be given to this work.
to be done afield, e.g., the photography of the specimens; and as the
selecting of the specimens for introduction into the (01 lect ion ; an (1
the collection of ia re buds, seeds, &c.,are to he niade in a similar
manner, it is important that provision be made to carry on this
work en masse at this time of the year.
N KEDED Eui i'MENT.--Thc department needs for station work
alone (and at the same time such could be used without any inconvenience or abuse by the students) several pieces of apparatus and
reference works, notably, laboratory glasswa re, gasfixtures for laboratory use, microscopic accessories, reference works.
1. The development of orchard, garden and ornamental varieties.
a By selection of seed and stock.
b By cross fertilization.
c By the introduction of new varieties.
1. Prunes; 2. Apples; 3. Pears; 4. Grapes; 5. Bush fruits;
Nuts; 7. Cherries; 8. Vegetables; 9. Flowering plants; It).
Ornamental plants, other than flowering plants.
2. The introduction and propagation of our promising native orna
mental trees, shrubs and herbs.
.
34
3. Fruit preservation.
a Cold storage.
1. Dead air space; 2. Ice; 3. Night air.
b Evaporation.
1. Methods; . Machines; 3. Products; 4. Marketing.
( Canning.
a' Preserving.
e Jellying.
f Fernientation.
1. In ferniented juices; 2. Vinegar; 3. Wine; 4. Brandy;
.
Al-
cohol.
4. Botanical survey.
a Phenology.
b Distribution of flora.
( Enlargement of herbarium.
a' Arborescent flora and its importance to agriculture (forestry).
i. Bulletins--prospective.
a Grapes.
b
Apples.
Pears.
a' Evaporation and equipment.
c Nuts.
(. Testing relative merits of new and promising varieties of fruits,
vegetables and flowers.
Respectfully sul )mitted,
E. R. LAKE.
RE PORT OF THE BACTERIOLOGIST.
Th f/ic iZIce-Direc/ar:
DEAR
Sin:I herewith submit a condensed report of the work
(lone in my department during the past year.
A considerable time was spent in studying a disease of a serioua
nature in goats. Owing to the great distance from the station, portions of the dead animal were not received until from three to four
days after death; consequently the positive cause of the disease was
not reached.
In the latter part of .Januarv, a disease broke out amongst the
hogs at the asylum farm, killing sixty young hogs in about a week.
The state veterinarian sent samples of the carcases to tile station
for diagnosis. A great many cultures were made from the germs
noticed and pure cultures obtained; a hog was then inoculated with
the culture producing death in fourteen days. Cultures were made
from the hog and a rabbit was inoculated with tins culture, dying in
eight days. The post mortem examination of both the hog and the
rabbit showed the characteristic leison of an acute form of hog
cholera. Since my report to the proper authorities, the disease has
again broken out in a chronic form at the same place. Every
effort has been made and will he niade to stamp out the disease.
In January a wool growers' convention convened in Pendieton for
which I prepared and exliilated, with the stereopticon, sixty-four
slides of single strands of wool photographed under tile microscope
showing the serrations in the wool from different breeds of sheep,
goats, and cross-breed sheep. Slides were made showing the epithelial scales removed, and a single strand treated with acid to separate the fibro-cellular tissues illustrating tile elasticity and tensile
striigth of the fiber. A fiber from each sample of wool was
mounted and carefully measured before photographing.
The series
of slides comprehensively illustrates the effect upon the wool of
cross-breeding sheep.
An experiment in raising clover on the different soils of the state
was begun for the study of nitrifyin organisms on the roots. The
soil in many parts of the state gives an acid reaction and to neutralize tins acid condition in a cheap and practical manner, clover
seed was treated with lime; and some with a saturated solution of
carbonate of soda containing a small amount of glue to make it adhere to the seed. So far, tile latter method has proven very satisfactory because the seed carries with it a sufficient amount of alkali
to neutralize the soil in the immediate vicinity of the young plant,
stimulating the germ development. Seventy-five five-inch flower
pots were used ill the experiment. Next year field experiments will
be conducted to verify the efficiency of these methods under natural
conditions. The need of replenishing the soil with nitrogen through
the activity of micro-organisms on the roots of leguminous crops,
calls fd>r attention and study, for it is nature's method of preserving
fertility.
3"
Samples of damaged wheat were sent to the station and by careful sectioning the kernels showed that the embryo had been totally
destroyed by fungus (Tillitea caries), unfitting it for human food or
for seed wheat. Cultures were made and the fungus classified.
An experiment was made in producing jelly from apples and
other fruits without the use of sugar or other ingredients. One gallon of jelly of an excellent quality can be made from eight gallons
of cider.
All the photographs, micrographs, lantern slides and engravings
used by the station and the college during the past year were made,
requiring niuch labor and time.
I also attended and illustrated lectures with a stereopticon at
farmers' institutes in different parts of the state.
Respectfully submitted,
E. F. PERNOT.